u/Machenz

This might be the wrong sub for this, but figured I’d give it a shot.

I grew up in South Louisiana, and unfortunately, my family largely lost its Italian traditions over the generations as we assimilated into the heavily French culture around us.

Over the past few years, I’ve researched my family history and found that I’m partially Northern Italian (Genoa) and partially Sicilian, although I’m still trying to narrow down the Sicilian side geographically.

I’ve never felt particularly connected to my French roots, but I’ve developed a strong pull toward my Italian heritage. I’d love to revive that part of my family’s culture and eventually raise my own family with those traditions.

For those of you who grew up Italian-American or in Italy, what traditions, values, foods, or family customs did you grow up with that have stuck with you throughout your life?

I’d especially love to hear about the little everyday things that made you feel connected to your heritage.

I see these post all the times for Brides, but as the groom, curious what are some things you wish you would have done?

These are some special things I have planned -

- I am writing handwritten notes to all the bridesmaids thanking them for taking the time and spending the money to be in the wedding. Also, just showing my gratitude for our friendship

- I am giving my future wife a ring of my grandmothers, and am planning to also write her a separate notes outside of my vows

- I am making sure my groomsmen and I get a little bit of time during the wedding to just hangout outside the reception. It's very uncommon we all get together, so I want to make sure we get some time together.

What are some other things you wish you would have done on your wedding day?

My wife will start training for the London marathon within the next month or so, I told her I would train alongside her with the idea of just running my first marathon around the same time locally.

However, started thinking about it, why not just train for the extra 5 miles and run a 50k?

Question is - how different is the training for these two distances? I’m assuming they are similar. Any suggestions on which plans I can follow?

With sports season quickly coming up, I have been debating just running to the bar for early games (Premier League) and then either ubering or catching a ride home.

Only issue, is I sweat like crazy and really don't want to sit in soaked clothes for two hours while watching the games.

Anyone who may have done something similar to this, how are you carrying extra clothes? Do i just throw them in a backpack? Maybe a ziploc back tucked into my running vest? It's only about 4.5 miles one way, so nothing crazy.

I was walking my dog this morning, and saw a rat scurry across Pine to behind Chris’s. No big deal, there’s like four dumpsters there.

But it got me thinking, a lot of other big metro area I have been to (NY, Boston, Philly, DC, Houston, etc) they all seem to have a pretty noticeable rat population in their downtown areas. And in my 7 years living downtown - I have seen a rat 2, maybe 3 times.

What does St. Louis do to keep it under control? Is it the lack of restaurants downtown? Do they just hire a really good pest control company? Is there a secret street cat mafia I don’t know about?

I know the running joke is "St. Louis is a drinking town, with a sports problem.", which I used to love, until I got sober.

Now I just feel like I don't go anywhere because everywhere you look, it's just another event surrounded by alcohol.

So, just curious, where do the sober folk hang out? I would love to have an old "watering hole" where I could watch some sports, and hang out with other people who don't drink for whatever reason.

Bonus points if the below sports are being shown -

EPL (Manchester United preferred)
NFL (out of market preferred, I am a saints fan)

Sidebar - nothing against people who go out, drink, and hangout. I just don't have the ability to not take it too far.

Looking to have some friends over for Sunday dinner (4 of us total), but money and budgeting is a bit tight for a few weeks.

I was thinking cutlets, some type of pasta and gravy, & some extra side. But not sure if that’s enough?

What do y’all cook when bills are due?

200 days sober today.

It started as Dry January and just kind of never ended.

For the last 200 days, I’ve told everyone that I’m “sober” and that I was “addicted to alcohol.” Lately though, I’ve started wondering if that was actually true.

For some context: I never drank at work or during the week. I could go weeks without drinking if the opportunity didn’t present itself. Alcohol never really affected my life, aside from the occasional argument with my SO when I drank too much.

But when I did drink, I usually got drunk—and sometimes beyond that. It wasn’t uncommon for me to drink at home alone while playing video games or watching sports. It also wasn’t uncommon for me to pregame before going out with friends or keep drinking after I got home.

I’ve recently started attending some recovery meetings and communities, and hearing other people’s stories has made me question whether I really had a problem. Compared to a lot of what I’ve heard, my experience feels very different.

I also have some big life events coming up that I’d like to have a drink at. Part of me is fully confident I could drink for those occasions and then quit again afterward.

Has anyone else gone through this line of thinking? Have you ever questioned whether you actually had a problem after getting sober? Or have you ever given yourself “free passes” for certain events? How did it turn out?

I have a rare Saturday off tomorrow, and get to surprise my wife with something fun.

She loves farmers markets, but we haven’t been able to get to one in forever.

Are there any good ones going on tomorrow?

My Fiancée and I booked 9 days at Secrets Moxche for our honeymoon later this year. Since booking it, I had to make a lifestyle change and that change has included me getting sober.

I am curious if anyone can give recommendations, or personal experiences, of visiting this resort when you do not drink.

I know mocktails and NA beers are an option, and I do plan on eating a lot (have to get my money somehow), but I am still a little nervous I will be missing out on the "full experience" because I can't drink.

(Not sure I picked the right flair, but it seemed to fit best)

I have had issues in my past two halves, where I start cramping about 7 or 8 miles in - typically after using the restroom (no.1)

I am doing a 6hr endurance race on 8/8, so it will inevitably be my first marathon. I am a little nervous about catching cramps at the 2 hr mark, and then having to suffer for four.

Has anyone else experienced this? Is there a way to combat this?

EDIT TO ADD NUTRITION -

I typically only do water - sometimes I will drop an electrolyte tablet into my water bottle, but not everytime. I try to take a gu every 40 or so minutes depending on how I am feeling

I will do gatorade or pickle juice after the cramps start, its more of a desperation attempt at that point.

Day before - essentially just a carb load, and a lot of water.

I have been running on and off for a few years now, but am new to the world of Ultrarunning.

Right now, my miles are minimal (maybe 10 or so a week), but I am ramping that up as my life gets a little less hectic.

There is an Endurance race about a half hour away from me on August 8, that I am flirting with - they offer 3 and 6 hour options. I know in my heart 3 hour is probably my "safer" choice, but something about pushing my body for the 6 hour really peaks my interest.

I have ran two half marathons - each with a finish time of right around 3 hours.

My question here - should I do the 3 hour? Or should I just say screw it and do the 6? It's a 2 mile loop, 6pm - 12am.

Also, any advice on a 6 hour timed race would be appreciated - My fiancée would probably come out, so I would have someone to "crew" for me.

My Apple Watch is on its last leg (RIP - it's the watch that started my running journey with me)

I have been pretty set on a Garmin Forerunner for a while now, but a lot of the people I am seeing online have all been promoting Coros.

For people who have used either (or both), what do you recommend?

I am not super concerned about price, but the Coros price point is appealing.

I will be 6 months sober on Thursday, and am getting married in September. I love my life sober, but do obviously miss drinking.

However, as stated above, I am getting married in September - followed by 9 days in an all inclusive in Mexico.

I am debating giving myself a free pass for the wedding day, and for the honeymoon.

Has anyone successfully given themselves a free pass to enjoy, then successfully went back to being sober?

My Wednesday night rabbit hole has had me come across timed races. I have been wanting to get into ultra running, and in my head, a 6/12 hour timed race seems like a good place to start?

Am I on the right path there, or should I just go for a 50k? Side note - farthest I have ran is a half marathon currently.

Also, are timed races considered “ultra marathon/races”? I want to make sure I am using correct terms when talking to people.

Traveling in with a group of 5-6 people tomorrow, possibly looking for somewhere to watch the game. We are staying in Pilsen.

We are looking for good vibes, but something more lowkey than like The Globe, Theory, Cleo's, etc - we aren't wanting to fight a huge crowd, if possible.

Anyone know of anything going on?

What are your best family style Italian restaurants?

Doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just something that accommodate 6 guys on a Sunday night.

I am okay with having to make a reservation, let’s try to keep it around $100 pp.